Study of the physicochemical properties and microbial quality of raw materials based on khaya senegalensis A. Juss (Meliaceae) used in the production of anti-inflammatory cream and gel

Introduction: In Burkina Faso, ethnopharmacological surveys have shown that the bark of khaya senegalensis trunks are used for the treatment of several chronic and acute inflammatory diseases. Previous pharmacological and toxicological preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the extracts. Partial chemical screening of the powder allowed characterization of the chemical groups in the plant. This work was undertaken to study the physicochemical properties and the microbiological quality of the extracts for standardization of plant raws materials for the manufacture of anti-inflammatory cream and gel. Methodology: The raw material was consisted of khaya senegalensis trunk bark powder extracted by aqueous maceration followed by lyophilization. The parameters studied were organoleptic properties, particle size distribution, residual moisture content, total ash content, impurities such as mycotoxins, pesticide residues and heavy metals according to the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia 6.0. The yield by successive extractions, the phytochemical screening such as the development of the chromatographic fingerprint and the identification of the main chemical groups were carried out. Results: The results obtained show that the total ash content, pesticide residues, mycotoxins and the microbial quality of raw materials were in line with the recommendations of the European Pharmacopoeia 6.0. The chemical screening has made it possible to characterize apolar compounds on the chromatographic plates, in particular terpenes and sterols as active compounds which can serve as tracers. Conclusion: The results of the present study will serve as a basis for the standardization of plant raw materials used in the manufacture of phytomedicines.